Fans of actress Kerry Washington got a bit of a shock yesterday when InStyle magazine released their latest cover image.

Kerry posted a picture of the magazine's March cover on her Instagram feed, and followers were quick to comment on the fact that her skin appeared dramatically lighter than usual.

The Scandal actress shared the image with the caption, "I'm THRILLED to share with you all that I'm on the cover of this year's March @instylemagazine! Can't wait for you guys to see it and read it! So honored. And crazy excited."

Although she seemed delighted with the cover, commenters were less than happy with the changes to her skin tone. "I don't like this picture of you Kerry. It looks way too light I had to look twice," wrote one follower, with another saying, "I'm glad that you made the cover, but you should speak out about them lightening your skin. Not cool. Tired of the media doing this type of stuff."

InStyle yesterday issued an apology via their website. Although they have explained the reason for the lighter colouring, they have not admitted to intentionally lightening Kerry's skin in the cover image.

"While we did not digitally lighten Kerry's skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern," the magazine explained.

"We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt. We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable. We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward."

Kerry too seemed happy with InStyle's explanation, writing, "Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo. Its an important 1 that needs to be had."

Definitely a faux-pas, but very well handled by both Kerry and InStyle.